MU Extension in Greene County

A recent Missouri Economy Indicators Brief explores multiple job and self-employed trends.

Self-employment is an important part of Missouri’s economy, offering people ways to earn income outside traditional jobs. In 2023, Missouri had more than 485,000 businesses without paid employees, including about 429,000 sole proprietorships, generating $26.2 billion in revenue.

About three-quarters of these businesses were in metro counties, while one-quarter were in nonmetro counties. However, nonmetro businesses generated slightly more revenue per business — about $56,200 compared with $53,300 in metro areas.

Nonmetro counties also had the highest concentration of these businesses. Scotland County ranked first, with 119 businesses per 1,000 residents and more than $106,000 in revenue per business. Transportation and warehousing had the most businesses in metro areas, while construction led in nonmetro areas.

These numbers show that self-employment and small, one-person businesses are an important part of how Missourians work and earn income, particularly in rural communities.

Read the full brief: https://brnw.ch/21x5WjH

National Farm Safety and Health Week is a great time to review grain bin safety before harvest gets into full swing. Grain can engulf a person in seconds, making preparation and prevention critical.

Keep these grain bin safety tips in mind:
• Never enter a grain bin alone. Always use the buddy system and have someone nearby who can call for help if needed.

• Lock out and tag out all grain-handling equipment before entering a bin.

• Wear a safety harness connected to an anchor point outside the bin.

• Never walk on crusted or bridged grain. Hidden cavities beneath the surface can give way and trap you.

• Store grain at the proper moisture content and temperature and monitor conditions regularly to reduce the need for bin entry.

• Keep grain bin doors locked and restrict access, especially when children are on the farm.

A few minutes spent reviewing safety procedures today can help prevent a tragedy tomorrow.

Access to healthcare isn’t always as simple as having insurance. Across Missouri, many residents face barriers that make it difficult to get the care they need, including rising healthcare costs, provider shortages, long travel distances, transportation challenges, limited childcare options and work schedules that make appointments difficult to attend. In rural Missouri, 41 counties don’t have a hospital, and many communities lack access to specialty care.

MU Extension is working to help close those gaps through education and workforce development. Programs like Continuing Education for Health Professions and Show-Me ECHO connect healthcare providers with specialized training and expert knowledge so they can deliver more care locally. These efforts help strengthen Missouri’s healthcare workforce, expand access to quality care and reduce the need for patients to travel long distances for services.

MU Extension also supports telehealth initiatives, broadband access and community partnerships that address the systems influencing healthcare access across the state. By investing in healthcare professionals and strengthening local communities, MU Extension is helping build a healthier Missouri.

Read more: https://brnw.ch/21x5QNt

Fall is a great time to refresh your wellness routine. From taking a daily walk and enjoying seasonal foods to prioritizing mental health and staying connected with others, small habits can make a big difference.

Swipe through for a few simple ways to fall into wellness, then visit the full article for healthy pumpkin and sweet potato recipes, information about programs like Walk With Ease and Stay Strong, Stay Healthy, plus additional resources to help you stay active, healthy and connected all season long.

Read more: https://brnw.ch/21x5NhI

Eating healthy on a tight budget is possible with the right tools and know-how.

Join Cooking Matters Online to learn smart shopping strategies, healthy cooking techniques, and practical tips for preparing nutritious, low-cost meals and snacks at home. Participants receive recipes and a meal kit before each session to practice what they learn in their own kitchens.

The course includes three virtual sessions: Sept. 23, Oct. 21 and Nov. 18 from 4–5 p.m.

Note: Cooking Matters is available for SNAP-eligible audiences only.

Learn more and register: https://brnw.ch/21x5Jzu

Join us at Reimagining Your Workforce on September 22.

This event is bringing employers and workforce leaders together to talk about one of the biggest challenges businesses are facing right now: how to find, hire, and keep good employees.

Registration:
https://pears.io/events/mu/6063/